Investigation Report
Top Drive Fell Following Quill Shaft Failure During Reaming
04-03-2005 21:30 00796 EI/100 Top Drive Quill Shaft Failure
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Dropped objectsMechanical failure
- DrillingInspection and maintenance
- Rotating machinery
- Exclusion zonesPositive retention and reliable securing
- Upstream oil and gas
Summary
Investigation of a quill shaft failure during reaming on the TODCO 250 rig. The TESCO top drive fell approximately 30 feet to the rotary; personnel had been cleared and nobody was injured. Preliminary findings addressed material toughness, microstructure and stress risers. Recommendations concerned manufacturing quality, inspection and possible secondary retention.
Classifications: Dropped objects; falling objects; DROPS.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Rotating machinery; rotating equipment.
Classifications: Exclusion zones; red zones; restricted access zones.
Classifications: Positive retention and reliable securing.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.